
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Monica Crowley to serve as the Ambassador, Assistant Secretary of State and Chief of Protocol of the United States of America on Wednesday. "Monica will be the Administration Representative for major US hosted events, including America's 250th Birthday in 2026, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028," Trump said in a statement released Wednesday. "She will be an extraordinary Representative of our Country. Congratulations Monica!" Who Is Monica Elizabeth Crowley? The New York Times bestselling author was born in Arizona. Crowley earned a dual Masters' degrees from Colgate University. She also earned a Doctorate in International Relations from Columbia University. In her doctorate, she was accused of plagiarism as traces of similar content was found in her PHD dissertation. A Columbia University investigation stated that Crowley had committed "localised instances of plagiarism," but the plagiarism did not amount to "research misconduct." Crowley became a part-time consultant at Douglas Schoen in March 2017 and worked as a "outreach services" consultant for Ukrainian political figure and businessman Victor Pinchuk. The Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 mandated that Crowley register as a foreign agent. Crowley served under former President Richard Nixon from 1990 until his passing in 1994 as an editor and research assistant. She flourished in media, as a National Public Radio commentator. She also anchored for Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. Crowley, 56, then served as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs for the first Trump Administration from July 2019 to January 2021. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.The company's Web Experimentation, Feature Experimentation, and Content Marketing Platform all have been recognized by its customers for Best Capabilities, Best Value for Price, and Best Customer Relationship NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimizely, the leading digital experience platform (DXP) provider, today announced that TrustRadius has recognized its Web Experimentation, Feature Experimentation, and Content Marketing Platform with a 2025 Buyer's Choice Awards . "Optimizely's customers continually highlight the platform's innovation and ease of use, empowering teams to drive data-informed decisions and create impactful content," said Allyson Havener , SVP of Marketing & Community at TrustRadius. "These awards represent Optimizely's commitment to delivering exceptional value and transformative tools for marketers and experimenters alike." Buyer's Choice Awards are based entirely on vetted, unbiased customer reviews, and have been selected as having the best capabilities, value for price, and customer relationships. During the evaluation process, reviewers are asked if products and their support teams live up to expectations, and would they buy the product again. These answers shape whether or not a product is chosen as best in the three key areas: capabilities, value for price, and customer relationship. Hear from verified users on how much they value Optimizely's products: Optimizely is proud to create products that inspire such gracious feedback in its user community. For customers who are looking to share their own feedback, please leave a review here . To learn more about Optimizely's award-winning products, visit https://www.optimizely.com/products/ . About Optimizely Optimizely is on a mission to make the lives of marketers better with Optimizely One, the world's first operating system for marketing teams. Optimizely One combines industry-leading solutions across content management, content marketing, experimentation, commerce and personalization, powering every stage of the marketing lifecycle through a single, AI-accelerated workflow. With the flexibility of a fully composable platform, Optimizely is proudly helping global brands like H&M, Salesforce, Zoom and Toyota create content with speed, launch experiments with confidence, and deliver experiences of the highest quality. Learn more at optimizely.com . Optimizely and Optimizely One are the trademarks of Optimizely North America Inc., and are registered (or registrations are pending) in the US, EU, UK and other countries. All third-party trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference purposes. About TrustRadius: TrustRadius is a buyer intelligence platform for business technology. We enable buyers to make confident decisions, through comprehensive product information, in-depth customer insights, and peer conversations. We help technology brands capture and activate the authentic voice of customers to improve their products, build confidence with prospects, and engage in-market buyers to improve ROI. Founded by successful entrepreneurs and headquartered in the technology hub of Austin, Texas , TrustRadius is backed by Mayfield Fund, LiveOak Venture Partners, and Next Coast Ventures. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optimizely-earns-multiple-2025-buyers-choice-awards-from-trustradius-302323142.html SOURCE Optimizely
The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively exploring options to strengthen their bullpen. Last week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic , reported the team is interested in free-agent reliever Tanner Scott, who made his All-Star debut in 2024. Additionally, the Dodgers are considering a potential trade for Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams. Today, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported via FoulTerritoryTV that he “expects the Dodgers to get one of Scott or Williams.” Dodgers Targeting 2 More Pitchers The Dodgers’ interest in Scott is not new. They were among the finalists to acquire him at the 2024 trade deadline before he was ultimately traded to the San Diego Padres (via Jon Heyman of The New York Post). Scott enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, posting a 1.75 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched between the Padres and Marlins. He continued his strong performance into the postseason, pitching 4.1 scoreless innings in the NLDS. MLB analyst Jim Bowden projects Scott to command a four-year, $60 million contract in free agency. The Milwaukee Brewers, meanwhile, declined Devin Williams’ $10.5 million club option for 2025, but he remains under team control for one more year of arbitration. As a result, Williams’ future with the Brewers is uncertain, potentially opening the door for a trade. Williams, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, has been a dominant force in the Brewers’ bullpen. Since his debut, he has posted a career ERA of 1.83, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top relievers. In 2024, Williams continued to excel, posting a 1.25 ERA and a 0.969 WHIP in 22 appearances. He averaged a remarkable 15.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Unfortunately, his season ended abruptly when he allowed a game-winning home run to the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card Series. The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made significant moves this offseason, signing Blake Snell and Michael Conforto. Their focus now shifts to bolstering their bullpen, with Scott and Williams emerging as top targets. They remain front runners to land Japanese fireballer, Roki Sasaki, as well. This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flightsBROADCOM, a chip supplier for Apple and other big tech companies, posted better-than-expected profit in the fourth quarter after artificial intelligence demand helped bolster growth. Profit was US$1.42 a share in the period, excluding some items, the company said in a statement on Thursday. Revenue rose to nearly US$14.1 billion. Analysts had estimated US$1.39 a share in earnings and revenue of US$14.1 billion on average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales will be US$14.6 billion in the fiscal first quarter, which runs through January, in line with estimates. The results suggest that demand for AI computing is offsetting a slowdown in other areas. Like Nvidia, Broadcom is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of AI spending. The stock rose about 4 per cent in extended trading following the announcement. It had been up 62 per cent in 2024 through the close. Investors have piled into Broadcom’s stock this year, betting that the AI frenzy will fuel a sales surge. The Palo Alto, California-based company had predicted that it would get more than US$10 billion in annual revenue from that market, outpacing other parts of its business. Ultimately, the number reached US$12.2 billion in the last fiscal year. AI revenue grew grew 220 per cent during the year, fueled by demand for AI processors and networking components, chief executive officer Hock Tan said in the statement. Tan has assembled one of the most valuable companies in the chip industry through a string of acquisitions. He also has built a software unit that’s approaching the scale of its semiconductor operations. That reach makes the company’s forecasts a bellwether for demand over a broad swath of the technology industry. Data centre providers rely on Broadcom’s custom-chip design and networking semiconductors to build their AI systems. The company also sells components for cars, smartphones and internet access gear. Its push into software, meanwhile, includes products for mainframe computers, cybersecurity and data center optimisation. Apple is a top customer of Broadcom and provides key components for the iPhone. During earnings calls, Tan typically gives updates on Broadcom’s often-contentious relationship with that company, which he refers as his “large North American customer” or another vague term. Bloomberg News reported earlier that Apple would start switching away from a key Broadcom wireless chip starting next year. The iPhone maker has been replacing suppliers’ components with in-house versions, a trend that’s also set to hit chipmaker Qualcomm. Broadcom’s semiconductor division had revenue of US$8.23 billion billion in the three months ended Nov 3, up 12 per cent. Software sales grew nearly 200 per cent to US$5.82 billion. The company is much larger than it was a year ago, partly because of its acquisition of VMware Inc, which it bought for roughly US$69 billion. Prior to the report, analysts raised concerns that Broadcom’s chip design business was suffering from weaker demand. They cited the slower introduction of a new version of a Broadcom processor for Alphabet. BLOOMBERG
2024: We arrested 30,313 suspects, recovered 1,984 firearms, 23,250 ammunition – Nigeria PoliceUS stocks surge to records on tech gains, Fed rate cut hopes
WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Donovan Newby had 16 points in UNC Wilmington's 76-61 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday night. Newby also added six assists for the Seahawks (5-2). Nolan Hodge added 15 points while shooting 6 for 10, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc and had six rebounds. Harlan Obioha had 12 points and shot 5 of 5 from the field and 2 of 5 from the free-throw line. The Mountaineers (5-3) were led in scoring by CJ Huntley, who finished with 17 points. Jalil Beaubrun added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Appalachian State. Alonzo Dodd had 11 points. UNC Wilmington took the lead with 15:43 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 44-33 at halftime, with Hodge racking up 15 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press
Underground voids from abandoned mines pose danger to people and property when land collapsesFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — This was not the homecoming scenario Kirk Cousins would have scripted. Cousins' return to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023, on Sunday comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons' three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week's 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade. “It’s kind of the challenge always in pro football to be able to get back up off the mat and get back going,” Cousins said after Wednesday's practice. A vote of confidence from coach Raheem Morris can't silence suggestions that it's time to give rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. a chance to jump-start the Falcons' struggling offense. Morris said Sunday he didn't consider removing Cousins from the game, and he repeated his support for the veteran on Wednesday. “Got to go to Minnesota and get a big-time win and Kirk’s ready to go,” Morris said before acknowledging Cousins must bounce back from “obviously a tough game.” “You know, realistically, man he is built for this and he’s ready to go,” Morris said. The losing streak has left the Falcons (6-6) struggling to remain on top of the weak NFC South. They hold the tiebreaker advantage with Tampa Bay (6-6), but need Cousins to end his turnover streak. Cousins, 36, was expected to be the reliable leader on offense after he signed a four-year, $180 million contract. He will be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. He said he expects a loud reception from Minnesota's fans. “They’re great fans, great football fans,” Cousins said. “As a result I think they’ll make it as hostile as they can for us.” Cousins ranks fifth in the league with 3,052 passing yards. He has 17 touchdown passes and his 13 interceptions are only one shy of his career high. Cousins insists he feels strong in his return from last season's torn Achilles tendon. He was critical of his mental mistakes in the loss to the Chargers. He said he rushed some passes, sometimes lacking the necessary velocity on his throws and giving defensive backs the opportunity to step in front of receivers for interceptions. Atlanta offensive coordinator Zac Robinson also said Cousins' lack of velocity on his throws “just goes back to, you know, decisiveness, being decisive when you do cut it loose. Certainly those things happen with quarterbacks. There might be times where, you know, you’re not as convicted on a throw. And it shows by the way the football comes out.” Morris said he still has confidence in Cousins' arm and the mental side to his game. “He’s done a great job with us, and I have no real qualms about him bouncing back and him being able to play the game the way it needs to be done,” Morris said. “He’s still an elite processor. He has the ability to make all the throws. He’s shown that throughout the year.” Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores also said he expects Cousins will shake out of his slump. “I know the narrative is he had a tough game last week, but he’s played some good football," Flores said. "I think the people in this building know what Kirk can do. He’s a very, very good quarterback.” Added Flores: “He’s a bounce-back type of guy, as we all know. I’m expecting his best, the best version of Kirk, the best version of that offense. It’s going to be a major challenge for us.” Atlanta's offensive production has dipped while the veteran quarterback’s turnovers have been on the rise. The Falcons were held to under 20 points in each of their three straight losses. “Have to just believe that tough times don’t last, tough people do,” Cousins said. “You have to keep pushing.” ___ AP Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Charles Odum, The Associated PressIMRIS ( OTCMKTS:IMRSQ – Get Free Report ) and Integer ( NYSE:ITGR – Get Free Report ) are both medical companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings and profitability. Profitability This table compares IMRIS and Integer’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Earnings & Valuation This table compares IMRIS and Integer”s revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Insider and Institutional Ownership 99.3% of Integer shares are held by institutional investors. 2.0% of Integer shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for IMRIS and Integer, as provided by MarketBeat. Integer has a consensus price target of $139.75, suggesting a potential downside of 0.68%. Given IMRIS’s higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe IMRIS is more favorable than Integer. Summary Integer beats IMRIS on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About IMRIS ( Get Free Report ) IMRIS Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells image-guided therapy solutions worldwide. The company offers VISIUS Surgical Theatres, a surgical environment that provides intraoperative vision to clinicians to assist in decision-making and enhance precision in treatment. Its VISIUS Surgical Theatre incorporates magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy into multi-purpose surgical suites to provide intraoperative imaging for specific medical applications by bringing advanced imaging into the operating room (OR). The company sells the VISIUS Surgical Theatres to hospitals that deliver clinical services to patients in the neurosurgical, spinal, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular markets. It also provides service and extended maintenance contracts, and accessories and disposables. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Winnipeg, Canada. About Integer ( Get Free Report ) Integer Holdings Corporation operates as a medical device outsource manufacturer in the United States, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Medical and Non-Medical. The company offers products for interventional cardiology, structural heart, heart failure, peripheral vascular, neurovascular, interventional oncology, electrophysiology, vascular access, infusion therapy, hemodialysis, non-vascular, urology, and gastroenterology procedures. It also provides cardiac rhythm management products, including implantable pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, insertable cardiac monitors, implantable cardiac pacing and defibrillation leads, and heart failure therapies; neuromodulation products, such as implantable spinal cord stimulators; and non-rechargeable batteries, feedthroughs, device enclosures, machined components, and lead components and sub-assemblies. In addition, the company offers rechargeable batteries and chargers; and arthroscopic, laparoscopic, and general surgery devices and components, such as harmonic scalpels, shaver blades, burr shavers, radio frequency probes, biopsy probes, trocars, electrocautery components, wound dressings, GERD treatment components, and phacoemulsification needles. Further, it provides orthopedic products that include instruments used in hip, knee, and spine surgeries, as well as reamers and chisels. Additionally, the company offers customized battery power and power management systems, and battery solutions for the energy, military, and environmental markets. Furthermore, the company provides medical technologies. It serves multi-national original equipment manufacturers and their affiliated subsidiaries in the cardiac rhythm management, neuromodulation, orthopedics, vascular, and advanced surgical and portable medical markets. Integer Holdings Corporation was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for IMRIS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IMRIS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .